GGauteng is an urban playground – think large shopping malls, bars, hotels, casinos and a vibrant cultural and entertainment scene. It is South Africa’s economic powerhouse, and is fast-paced, high-tech and ever changing.

Gauteng is the smallest of South Africa’s nine provinces, but also the most densely populated and the fastest growing – not too surprising, really, as Gauteng means ‘place of gold’ (gold has been intertwined with the province’s history ever since its discovery in the Johannesburg area in 1886).

It is a province of contrasts – old and new, contemporary and traditional, dense cities and wide-open grasslands, all co-existing.

Although dominated by urban areas, there are a number of great natural attractions, like the Dinokeng Game Reserve, Gauteng’s only Big Five nature reserve; the Pretoria National Botanical Garden; and the Magaliesberg mountains.

GGauteng is also home to the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, which contains some of the most important palaeoanthropological sites in the world. Here, scientists have discovered important fossils that tell us much about the predecessors of modern humans.

Most of Gauteng is on the Highveld, a high-altitude grassland; its spectacular Highveld thunderstorms are legendary.

There’s plenty for you to do in Gauteng, whether you favour a night on the town, a game drive or some great shopping. Immerse yourself in Gauteng’s cultural scene – there are museums, galleries, theatres, historical sites, cultural hubs and a number of music festivals.

Gauteng boasts a world-class infrastructure and a large range of accommodation, from the ultra-luxurious to budget options.

Explore Gauteng

R500

Turbine Art Fair

The Turbine Fair is an annual art fair that seeks to promote new work and talent all while establishing an art audience and collector base. Exhibitors – whether galleries, collectors or dealers – are invited to exhibit contemporary artwork priced below R40 000.
The Turbine Art Fair takes place at the iconic Turbine Hall in Newtown. It attracts a diverse crowd of visitors ranging from established collectors to guests who have never purchased art but are interested in finding out more and starting a collection. The fair is a lifestyle event with live music performances, delicious food and drinks as well as entertainment for the whole family.
Attendees of this exciting art fair have the opportunity to fulfil both their art-viewing and art-buying needs, while the pop-up cafe and bar caters for their discerning taste buds.

Photo & Film Expo

The Photo & Film Expo is the largest photography event in Africa, with over 400 brands under one roof. It is the perfect platform to interact with your favourite camera brands or bring your camera in for repairs. There are also workshops throughout the expo, where speakers get to share their knowledge of the field.
Taking place in Johannesburg, expect great deals on a wide variety of products ranging from professional to the enthusiast. The expo is extremely focused and serves as a platform where photographers and enthusiasts can network and learn. With well over a hundred workshops running during the four-day event, the expo is time well invested. See the latest technologies and a wide range brands related to the imaging industry, and pick up some amazing ideas and bargains as well.

Soweto Wine & Lifesytle Festival

The Soweto Wine & Lifestyle Festival is a must-attend festival in Soweto. The show exhibits a combination of wine, travel destinations, food and lifestyle products. This festival is the hub for the country’s finest innovators, bringing together winemakers, artisanal chefs, designers, crafters and entrepreneurs for a three-day cultural experience, unique to Soweto. The festival was originally designed to bring Cape wines into Johannesburg’s largest township, Soweto – which is known for its trendsetting values and people – to expose this magnificent movement to the country’s oldest, unique wine etiquettes and cultures.
Come and experience the best wines the Cape has to offer; check out travel retailers with a huge choice of holidays and weekends away; indulge in a wide selection of gastronomies to suit all tastes from top restaurants, local bistros and food vendors; and enjoy music from Soweto’s famous set.

Standard Bank Joy of Jazz

The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is held in Johannesburg each year, and showcases 35 performances on four stages in three days. It’s an initiative that seeks to contribute to social cohesion, economic growth and cultural tourism. The Joy of Jazz Festival presents a diverse range of jazz styles inclusive of the giants of jazz and the upcoming young artists. There is something for everyone in the line-up every year, which is truly inspirational. The show promises to bring audiences some exciting and innovative collaborations this year.

RMB WineX Wine Festival

The RMB WineX Festival is an annual event that is not to be missed be any wine connoisseur. It showcases a wide range of brands, boutique wines, crystal stemware and more. The undisputed festival of choice for the discerning wine consumer, the RMB WineX Wine Festival celebrates the “art of wine”. The show boasts the greatest selection of South Africa's top cellars under one roof, together with an exciting array of newcomers, boutique producers and garagistes – all who have one thing in common, they are all passionate about fermented grapes.
RMB WineX is the wine happening of the year, where winemakers divulge expert knowledge to an attentive audience and Jozi wine lovers meet to socialise over a glass of good wine. Additionally, visitors can get handy tips and learn the latest in winemaking trends. There are also plenty of products that are available for purchasing – from gadgets, olives and oils, imported decanters, design coolers, artisanal cheeses and storage systems.

Whisky Live

Whisky Live is an annual festival that focuses on whisky and its culture. It attracts approximately 20 000 people and offers a range of whisky tasting events year-round to suit every palate – from the “just curious” newcomer to the seasoned connoisseur, there is something for everyone.
Whisky Live is celebrated in Cape Town, Pretoria and Durban - traditionally held in the first six months of the year. The world’s biggest event of its kind, the Whisky Live Festival is held annually in November in Sandton. This event is a whisky extravaganza in the truest sense of the word, with more than 10 000 people visiting the festival over three nights to sample new whiskies and purchase gift packs ahead of the festive season rush.
Tickets go on sale from 1 October 2017

Jozi food market

If you’re cruising the streets of Johannesburg on a Saturday morning and notice a little rumble in your stomach, then visit the Jozi Food Market for a medley of delectable products, all handmade with care in the local community.

Unique South African fashion

Apartheid Museum and the Cradle of HumankindThe Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg documents South Africa’s Freedom Struggle during the days of apartheid. Set on 7ha of landscaped grounds, the museum has over 20 exhibition areas that include film footage, text panels and artefacts. About an hour’s drive from Johannesburg is the Cradle of Humankind, which is renowned for its extraordinary fossil record of early human ancestors.

Main city

JohannesburgThe capital of Gauteng was built on the discovery of gold in 1886. It is now a vibrant megacity (the greater Johannesburg area is home to about 10-million people) that is the economic powerhouse of the country.